Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Vermont State University

A first-year salary of $35,685 against an estimated $25,373 in debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71—manageable by federal standards, though the estimated debt figure comes from national peer programs rather than Vermont State's actual graduate outcomes. What complicates the picture is that this salary falls below the national median for interdisciplinary bachelor's programs by about $3,000, placing graduates in the 36th percentile nationally. However, within Vermont's limited landscape of just three such programs, it hits the state median exactly, suggesting the earnings reflect regional market realities more than program quality.

The 83% admission rate and significant Pell Grant enrollment (31%) indicate Vermont State serves a broad range of students, many seeking accessible pathways to degrees. Interdisciplinary studies programs often attract students building custom academic paths or completing degrees while working, which can affect both time-to-completion and early earnings. The manageable debt load matters here: even if earnings grow modestly, graduates aren't carrying burdens that would make repayment difficult on typical Vermont wages.

For families, the key question is whether this degree serves as a completion credential for career advancement or a foundation for further education. At these debt levels and with reasonable first-year earnings for Vermont, it's a defensible investment if the flexibility of an interdisciplinary degree aligns with your child's specific career plan—but they should enter with clear goals about how they'll leverage the credential.